What Happens If You Lose Your Boarding Pass?

Relax — You're Still Getting on That Plane

Losing your boarding pass feels like a gut punch, but here's the truth: it's one of the easiest problems to fix at an airport. Your booking is in the airline's system. Your identity can be verified. A boarding pass is just a piece of paper (or a QR code), and it can be reprinted or regenerated in minutes.

You will not miss your flight over this. Take a breath and follow these steps.

Option 1: Pull It Up on Your Phone

This is the fastest fix. If you checked in online or through the airline's app, your mobile boarding pass is almost certainly still available.

• Open the airline's app and go to "My Trips" or "My Bookings"
• Your boarding pass should be right there with its scannable QR code
• If you added it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, check there too
• Some airlines also email your boarding pass — search your inbox for the confirmation

Mobile boarding passes are accepted at TSA security checkpoints and at the boarding gate at virtually every U.S. airport. This is the single best reason to always use digital boarding passes.

Option 2: Use a Self-Service Kiosk

If you lost your paper boarding pass before going through security, head to one of the airline's self-service kiosks in the check-in area. You can reprint your boarding pass by:

• Scanning your ID or passport
• Entering your confirmation number
• Swiping the credit card you booked with

The kiosk will spit out a fresh boarding pass in seconds. This is free at most airlines, though a few budget carriers may charge a fee.

Option 3: Go to the Check-In Counter

If the kiosk isn't cooperating or you can't find one, head to the airline's staffed check-in counter. Tell the agent you've lost your boarding pass, show your photo ID, and they'll print a new one.

A couple of things to be aware of:

• Most airlines do this for free. It takes about 30 seconds.
• Some budget airlines charge a fee. Spirit Airlines, for example, charges $10 if a customer service agent prints your boarding pass at the counter (using the kiosk is free). Ryanair in Europe can charge up to 20 euros for a boarding pass reprint at the airport.
• You'll need a valid photo ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID.

Option 4: You're Already Past Security

Lost your boarding pass after clearing TSA? No problem. Head directly to your departure gate and explain the situation to the gate agent. They can look up your reservation and print a new boarding pass right there.

You don't need to go back through security or return to the check-in counter. The gate agents have full access to the same system and can issue replacement boarding passes on the spot.

What About TSA? Can You Get Through Security Without a Boarding Pass?

This is where things get slightly more complicated. TSA requires both a boarding pass and a valid photo ID to get through the security checkpoint.

If you lost your boarding pass before security and can't pull it up on your phone, you'll need to get it reprinted at the counter or kiosk first. TSA won't let you through with just an ID.

However, TSA does have a process for passengers who've lost everything. Their identity verification officers can confirm your identity and your flight booking using their systems. It takes longer and involves additional screening, but it's possible to get through security even without a boarding pass. Don't count on this being quick, though.

Special Situations

Connecting Flights

If you lose your boarding pass during a layover, go to the airline's gate for your connecting flight. The agent will reprint it. If you need to exit and re-enter security at a connecting airport, you'll need to get a new pass first — either from a transfer desk, kiosk, or check-in counter.

International Travel

Some countries are stricter about boarding passes at immigration or customs. If you lose your boarding pass on an international arrival, the airline can provide a printout or confirmation letter if immigration asks for proof of your flight. Keep a screenshot of your booking confirmation as backup.

You Need the Boarding Pass for Expense Reports

If you're a business traveler who needs the boarding pass for reimbursement, most airlines can provide a receipt or itinerary printout after the fact. Check your airline's website under your booking history — many let you download past boarding passes or flight receipts.

How to Never Lose Your Boarding Pass Again

Prevention is simple:

• Always use a mobile boarding pass. Your phone is the one thing you won't leave behind.
• Take a screenshot of your boarding pass QR code in case the app crashes or you lose connectivity.
• Add it to your phone's wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) so it's accessible even offline.
• If you prefer paper, designate one pocket or one section of your bag exclusively for travel documents.
• Email yourself the boarding pass so you have a backup copy accessible from any device.

The Bottom Line

Losing a boarding pass is a minor inconvenience, not a crisis. The airline knows you're booked. Your reservation exists in their system. All you need is a photo ID and about five minutes to get a replacement. The only real risk is losing time — so if you realize it's gone, act immediately rather than tearing through your bag at the gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I board the plane without a boarding pass?

No, you need a boarding pass to board. But getting a replacement takes just minutes. Go to the gate agent, show your ID, and they'll print a new one on the spot. If you have the airline's app, your mobile boarding pass is likely still available there.

Do airlines charge for reprinting a boarding pass?

Most major airlines reprint boarding passes for free. However, some budget carriers charge a fee. Spirit charges $10 at the counter (kiosks are free), and Ryanair can charge up to 20 euros. Using self-service kiosks or the airline's app is almost always free.

What if I lose my boarding pass and my phone is dead?

Head to the airline's check-in counter or a self-service kiosk. With your photo ID and confirmation number (or the credit card you booked with), they can look up your reservation and print a new boarding pass. Many airports also have charging stations if you need to power up your phone.

Can TSA verify my flight without a boarding pass?

TSA has identity verification officers who can confirm your identity and flight booking through their systems. However, this process takes additional time and involves extra screening. It's much faster to get a replacement boarding pass from the airline first.

Should I keep my boarding pass after the flight?

It's a good idea to keep it until you've arrived and collected your luggage. The boarding pass contains your baggage claim information, which you'll need if your luggage is lost or delayed. Business travelers may also need it for expense reports. After that, shred it — boarding passes contain personal information.